Aceh: EU Says Progress Made in Peace Efforts
The European Union Foreign Ministers' Council Monday welcomed what is said was "very substantial progress" made in restoring peace in Aceh and commended the Indonesia and the Free Aceh Movement (GAM) for their good cooperation and genuine commitment to implement the Helsinki Memorandum of Understanding of last August.
The Council in a statement noted with satisfaction the demobilization of GAM and the decommissioning of its weapons.
"However, important challenges remain regarding the further implementation of the MoU. The Council therefore called on both parties to continue to work together for lasting peace in the province."
The EU foreign ministers also commended the Aceh Monitoring Mission, in which the European Union operates alongside 5 ASEAN Member States - Brunei, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore and Thailand - as well as with Norway and Switzerland, for its important role in monitoring the implementation of the Memorandum of Understanding.
The EU Council decided to extend the Aceh Monitoring Mission for a further period of three months until 15 June.
The Council welcomed the EU's measures in Aceh, worth 25 million euro, to support forthcoming local elections in Aceh, including the possible deployment of an EU election observation mission.
The Council said it will consider how further to strengthen
the EU's relations with Indonesia and the wider ASEAN region.
Source: Islamic Republic News Agency
